Dimensions
RZ96
... further background details.

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Beam:35 inch - A comfortable
beam for a relaxed and efficient paddle stroke. A 240 cm paddle appears
most suitable for most paddlers. Since the maximum beam is quite low to
the waterline and the deck, following the profile of the sponsons, curves
gently towards it, the boat feels much narrower than it is.

The hull shape of the RZ96 derives
from the proven efficient lines of the RZ85.

The waterline beam of the RZ96
is slightly greater, but not enough to reduce hull speed or to change
the feeling of initial stability significantly.

The addition of sponsons, without
reducing the beam of the frame in direct proportion, has increased
the flare (the angle at which the sides of the hull spread outward)
of the topsides. As a consequence the hull’s secondary stability is
greatly increased. This means that the RZ96 will float over or through
a head on or following wave on an even keel, but will also be predictably
stable when leaned into a broadside wave or edged for directional
control.

Furthermore, this configuration
of beam allows the hull to carry a modern high aspect ratio 5 square
meter sailing rig.

1 - The RZ96 has a length to
beam ratio (measured at the waterline!), which ensures a relatively high
hull speed potential, i.e., it is an efficient hull.

The fundamentals of hydrodynamics
are such that waves of longer length (distance peak to peak) are faster
than waves of shorter length. A boat’s hull speed is directly related
to the distance between its bow and stern wake, the farther these
are apart, the faster they are, the faster the hull can be propelled
within their trough (simplification!). Longer hull length also allows
a narrower beam for a given displacement and draft, thereby reducing
the immersed cross-sectional area of the hull, reducing this particular
drag component. In the RZ96 this reduction is carefully balanced against
an increase in the drag component due to an increase in wetted hull
surface area (as proven in the largely similar lines of the RZ86).

2 - Due
to its length and absence of rocker, the RZ96 tracks well irrespective
of the sea state. .

The RZ96 has a longitudinal
distribution of immersed lateral area, which gives bow and stern a
good measure of “bite” relative to the total area. This allows the
RZ96 to oppose the turning forces of wind and waves and stay on course.

3 - The
RZ96 has sufficient length to ensure shallow draft. This means that it
responds well to control and directional strokes, requiring little (energy
wasting!) directional input from the rudder.

Dedicated control directional
strokes can be effectively used to overcome the tendency of the RZ96
to track straight. “Edging” the hull purposefully enhances its ability
to respond to changes of direction. Edging an RZ96 is comfortable
and predictable ... see “secondary stability” under “beam” above.